In it, the prime minister set out his “road map” on how the country will eventually look to ease itself out of its lockdown, which has been in place since 23 March.

Boris Johnson said the “stay home” slogan would be altered in England to urge people to instead “stay alert”, while businesses, unions and police have called for clarity on the easing of restrictions.

While some publications addressed the apparent confusion which remained after his speech, others proclaimed the statement as explaining “the long road to freedom”, with Britons finally shown the light at the end of the tunnel imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.